Mega video game manufacturer Nintendo has issued a warning that using their new 3D game system can be harmful to the vision development of children ages 6 and under

Pages of research and numerous studies have been conducted regarding the concerns of video game playing since the industry came into its boom, everything from the psychological effects on children and teens to the alarming increase in childhood obesity.

Nintendo's 3D system missed the 2010 Christmas rush but will be rolled out soon with all the accompanying hoopla of a new video game system albeit with the warning that kids 6 and under play in 2D. According to a recent article released by Science Daily, motion sickness may now be a byproduct of the new high tech, 3D video games now available in the consumer video game marketplace.

Imagine that, you now may have to give your kids a dose of Dramamine before they sit down on the couch to play a video game. Is it just me or is there something wrong with this picture? 

Okay, everyone out there reading this who thinks video games are actually good for kids raise your hand. I didn’t think so, so why do we continue to pump millions of dollars into an already giant game manufacturer? Wouldn’t a brand new _____________ (bike, snowboard, ball and glove, tennis racket – you fill in the blank) go a long way in getting your kids outside, fit, healthy and socially interactive?  

Yes, as a parent I know it’s tough to get the kiddies to put down that controller – but maybe we should try just a touch harder. The manufacturers of video games sing their praises as being educational, interactive, good for dexterity yada yada yada. Guess what? They are actually trying to sell you video game systems and games.  

I know we won’t be able to drag the kids away from the games, but maybe we could entice them to go outside and beat us in a game of _____________ (horseshoes, tennis, basketball - you fill in the blank), and we just might drop a pound or two and get in touch with our kids. 

Resources: 

Computer Games 

Media Smarts 

Leslie Kollar has over 20 years of experience in the health care field in both the U.S. and Canada. She has worked professionally in medical offices and hospital administration, using her BA in Communications/Public Relations and MBA in Marketing. She has also seen the other side of the health care coin as a 15 year cancer survivor. As a survivor she is passionate that each and every person is and should be responsible for their own health - and with this passion she hopes to inspire, inform and educate through HealthWorldNet. Leslie can be reached at LK Communications [email protected]